Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and ZANU PF benefactor, has reportedly splurged at least $2 million on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday celebrations, which coincided with Munhumutapa Day. The festivities were held at Mnangagwa’s Zvishavane home, with youths gathering from across the Midlands province. According to insiders, Tagwirei paid over $120,000 to Chicken Slice and a similar amount to Chicken Inn to cater for refreshments and logistics for the event.
Tagwirei’s business empire spans multiple sectors, including fuel, mining, energy, trading, and infrastructure. His company, Sakunda Holdings, dominates Zimbabwe’s fuel industry, supplying fuel to major outlets and securing lucrative government contracts. Tagwirei has also partnered with commodities giant Trafigura, earning at least $100 million in fees through their joint venture in Zimbabwe’s fuel market.
However, Tagwirei’s business dealings have been marred by controversy. He was accused of orchestrating a complex scheme to unlawfully takeover 50% of Great Dyke Investments, a platinum mining venture. Additionally, his company, Landela Mining Ventures, merged its assets into Kuvimba Mining House, which was later sold to the government in a deal worth $5.4 billion. The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Tagwirei in 2020, citing corruption and his role in undermining democratic institutions in Zimbabwe.
Tagwirei has been a key supporter of Mnangagwa since he came to power in 2017, bankrolling the Command Agriculture program despite accusations of corruption and mismanagement. This support has earned him restrictive measures from the US and UK governments. Tagwirei’s relationship with ZANU PF dates back to the days of the late President Robert Mugabe, when he was awarded the Dema diesel power plant ahead of US company APR. His loyalty to Mnangagwa has been unwavering, and he has pledged that the President will remain in office until 2030.
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